The tale of the Jews of Mashhad is of outstanding historical interest. While there is an ample bibliography and no shortage of literature covering the phenomenon of Marranism, little is known, or has been written, about a similar case which occurred in more recent times, in the lands of Islam. The ultimatum dictated to the Jewish community at that time – conversion or death – created a dual identity phenomenon that went on for about a century: Muslim in public, Jewish at home. A story packed with historical, religious and anthropological implications.

The author

Daniel Fishman was born in Bradford (GB) in 1961. He graduated in History from the University of Milan, and he was president of CLIO, the Association of Graduates in Historical Disciplines. Professionally he deals with communication strategies for companies and institutions. He published essays about judaism in Italy and two historical novels.